Computing device employing a self-spacing hinge assembly

ABSTRACT

The description relates to hinged devices, such as hinged computing devices. One example can include a first portion and a second portion. The example can also include a pair of self-spacing hinge assemblies rotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions and camming the first and second hinge ends apart from one another at non-parallel orientations of the first and second portions sufficient to prevent contact of the first and second hinge ends at the non-parallel orientations while allowing the first and second hinge ends to contact one another at other orientations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the conceptsconveyed in the present document. Features of the illustratedimplementations can be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are usedwherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-mostnumeral of each reference number conveys the FIG. and associateddiscussion where the reference number is first introduced.

FIGS. 1, 2A-2D, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A show perspective views of exampledevices in accordance with some implementations of the present concepts.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an example device inaccordance with some implementations of the present concepts.

FIGS. 4B, 4C, 5B, 5C, 6B, 6C, 7B, and 7C show elevational views ofexample devices in accordance with some implementations of the presentconcepts.

DESCRIPTION

The present concepts relate to devices, such as computing devicesemploying hinge assemblies that can rotationally secure first and seconddevice portions relative to a first hinge axis that relates to the firstportion and a second hinge axis that relates to the second portion. Fromone perspective, some of the present hinge assemblies can be viewed asbeing ‘self-spacing’ in that the hinge controls spacing between thefirst and second portions during rotation to prevent damage to thedevice.

Introductory FIG. 1 shows an example device 100 that has first andsecond portions 102 and 104 that are rotatably secured together byself-spacing hinge assemblies 106. In this implementation, twoself-spacing hinge assemblies 106(1) and 106(2) are employed. Otherimplementations can employ a single self-spacing hinge assembly or morethat two self-spacing hinge assemblies.

The first portion 102 can extend from a hinge end 108 to a distal end110. The second portion 104 also can extend from a hinge end 112 to adistal end 114. The hinge assembly 105 can define two hinge axes 116.The first portion 102 can rotate around first hinge axis 116(1) and thesecond portion 104 can rotate around second hinge axis 116(2). The firstportion 102 can include opposing first and second major surfaces 118 and120 (hereinafter, first and second surfaces). Similarly, the secondportion 104 can include opposing first and second major surfaces 122 and124 (hereinafter, first and second surfaces). (Note the second surfaces120 and 124 are facing away from the viewer and as such are not directlyvisible in this view, but are shown and designated in subsequent FIGS.).

In some implementations, displays 126 can be positioned on the firstand/or second surfaces. In this case, displays 126(1) and 126(2) areinterposed between the self-spacing hinge assemblies 106(1) and 106(2).In the illustrated configuration, the displays 126 are positioned onfirst surfaces 118 and 122, respectively.

FIGS. 2A-2D collectively show a use case scenario of device 100. FIG. 2Astarts with device 100 in the closed orientation where the first andsecond portions 102 and 104 are positioned against one another and arerotatably secured by self-spacing hinge assembly 106. In this case, thesecond surfaces are facing outwardly with the first portion's secondsurface 120 facing the reader and the first surfaces (designated in FIG.2B) facing inwardly. The closed orientation can be very compact and easyfor the user 202 to transport. For instance, the device may fit in theuser's pocket. Further, the first surfaces can be protected in thisclosed orientation by the second surfaces. The device can be biased tomaintain this orientation until acted upon by the user. At this pointuser 202 is starting to open the device 100 (e.g., rotate the deviceportions 102 and 104 away from one another).

FIG. 2B shows the device 100 opened to an angle α defined between thefirst and second portions 102 and 104 of about 110 degrees. Thisorientation can be thought of as a ‘notebook’ or ‘laptop’ orientation.The notebook orientation can be manifest as an angle in a range fromabout 90 degrees to about 150 degrees. In this case, the device portions102 and 104 are configured to maintain this relative orientation whilethe user 202 uses the device. In this example, video content ispresented on a GUI 204(1) on display 126(1) of the first portion 102 anda virtual keyboard is presented on display 126(2) on second portion 104.The user can control GUI 204(1) via the virtual keyboard of GUI 204(2).

FIG. 2C shows the device 100 rotated until the relative angle α is about180 degrees between the first and second portions 102 and 104. In thisorientation, a single GUI 204(3) can be presented collectively acrossdisplays 126(1) and 126(2). This GUI 204(3) offers basically twice thedisplay area of either device portion 102 or 104. The device can bebiased to maintain this fully open orientation for viewing, yet when notutilized by the user 202, the user can close the device 100 to a compacteasy to carry configuration (e.g., see FIG. 2A) that protects thedisplays 126 from damage.

FIG. 2D shows another orientation where the angle α is about 270 degrees(or in a range from about 240 degrees to about 330 degrees). Thisorientation can be thought of as an ‘alarm clock’ orientation where thedevice stands on its own and the displays 126 are readily visible to theuser.

Note that while obscured by the displays 126, several electroniccomponents, such as circuit boards, processors, and/or storage/memorycan be secured to the first and second portions 102 and/or 104.

The processor can generate GUIs 204 for presentation on the displays126. In some implementations, the processor may generate different GUIsfor the displays when the first and second portions 102 and 104 are insome orientations and a single GUI for a combined presentation in otherorientations. For instance, when the first and second portions areoriented at 90 degrees relative to one another, the processor maygenerate a first GUI for presentation on the first portion and a secondGUI for presentation on the second portion. When the first and secondportions are oriented to 180 degrees, the processor can generate asingle GUI that is collectively presented across both displays to createa larger display area. In other orientations, such as the alarm clockorientation, the same GUI may be presented on both the first and secondportions. For instance, the time could be presented on both portions sothat it is visible from more positions around the device.

Stated another way, in some configurations, the first surfaces 118 and122 can be manifest as displays 126, such that in the fully openorientation of FIG. 2C the displays can work cooperatively to create alarger (e.g., 2 x) display area. In some cases, the second surfaces 120and 124 can be manifest as protective covers so that in the orientationof FIG. 2A the protective covers protect the displays of the firstsurfaces. In other configurations, both the first and second surfacescan include displays, or neither can include displays.

FIGS. 3-7C collectively show another example self-spacing hinge assembly106(1).

FIG. 3 is an exploded view that shows details of example self-spacinghinge assembly 106(1). The self-spacing hinge assembly 106(1) caninclude a communication member 302 and first and second hinge bodies304(1) and 304(2). The self-spacing hinge assembly 106(1) can include atiming element 305 that synchronizes rotation (e.g., extent of rotation)of the first and second portions 102 and 104 around the first and secondhinge axes 116. For instance, the timing element 305 can ensure that 20degrees of rotation around the first hinge axis simultaneously produces20 degrees of rotation around the second hinge axis. In the variousimplementations, the timing element can be manifest as gears. Varioustypes of gears may include spur gears, worm gears, and/or ball and screwgears. Alternatively or additionally, other timing elements can employcams and sliders. In the illustrated implementation, gears are employedas the timing element. In this case, the hinge bodies can define primarygears 306 that can interact with intervening or secondary gears 308. Thesecondary gears 308 are rotatably secured to communication member 302 byparallel posts 310 that engage receptacles 312 in the communicationmember. (Only receptacle 312(2) is visible in FIG. 3). The secondarygears are retained in the communication member by retainer 314 and/or byflanges on the communication member. Thus, the retainer 314 operating incooperation with the communication member 302 can secure the secondarygears 308 in engaging relation with one another and with the primarygears 306.

The communication member 302 can also be shaped to receive a conductor,such as discrete or coaxial wires and/or a flexible printed circuit(FPC) 315. The conductor can connect displays and/or other electroniccomponents on the first portion 102 with displays and/or otherelectronic components on the second portion 104.

The communication member 302 can include hinge pins 316 that passthrough the primary gears 306 and apertures 318 in the first and secondhinge bodies 304. The hinge pins can be integrated as a part of thecommunication member or the hinge pins can be separate pieces that areassembled to the communication member. In some implementations, theapertures 318 can be sized so the that the hinge bodies 304 act asfriction cylinders for the hinge pins 316 (e.g., provide a degree offrictional resistance that can hold the portions in an existingorientation unless acted upon by the user). Further, the timing providedby the interaction of the primary gears 306 with the secondary gears 308and the secondary gears with one another causes equal or symmetricrotation around each hinge axis 116. For instance, ten degrees ofrotation around hinge axis 116(1) is accompanied by ten degrees ofrotation around hinge axis 116(2). Other timing mechanisms arecontemplated. For example, other implementations can employ primarygears that directly intermesh with one another to provide the timing.

The communication member 302 can include multi-lobe cams (e.g., cams)320, which can be secured to the hinge pins 316 in-line with the hingeaxes 116. (More details about the cams are shown in FIG. 4C). The cams320 can operate on cam follower 322 of spring body 324. A biasingelement 325 can be employed to bias the hinge ends 108 and 112 of thefirst and second portions 102 and 104 toward the hinge axes (see FIG.1). Spring retainer or guide 326 retains a spring 328 between hinge body304 and spring body 324. Fasteners 330 can secure the spring bodies 324in a fixed relation to the respective first and second portions 102 and104. Fasteners 332 can slideably secure hinge bodies 304 to the firstand second portions 102 and 104 via washers 334. In this case, fasteners332 can be implemented as shoulder screws so that the fastener does notclamp down on the hinge body. Further, the hinge body defines elongateslots 336 through which the fasteners pass. This configuration allowsthe hinge bodies 304 to slide relative to the first and second portionsorthogonally to the hinge axes 116. This movement can be facilitated byemploying a low friction material and/or coating on washers 334 whichare interposed between the hinge bodies 304 and the respective first andsecond portions 102 and 104. Stated another way, the combination ofshoulder screws, elongate slots, and/or low friction washers can provideminimal clearance so that the hinge body 304 has a single degree offreedom with respect to the first and second portions 102 and 104. Thus,the spring 328 can function as the biasing element 325 that biases thespring body 324 and thereby the first and second portions toward thehinge axes 116. Example biasing elements can include compressionsprings, disk springs as shown or some other kind of spring, and/or apiece of foam, such as poron.

As mentioned above, spring bodies 324 are fastened to the first andsecond portions 102 and 104 by fasteners 330. As will be described belowin more detail relative to FIGS. 4A-7C, at certain orientations, such asacute, perpendicular, and/or obtuse angles/orientations (e.g.,non-parallel orientations), cams 320 can force cam followers 322 andspring bodies 324 apart, which thereby moves the first and secondportions apart. At other orientations, such as zero degrees, 180degrees, and/or 360 degrees (e.g., parallel orientations), lacking thecamming action, springs 328 can bias the spring bodies 324 and hence thefirst and second portion 102 and 104 toward one another.

FIGS. 4A-7C collectively show how cams 320 can move the first and secondportions 102 and 104 apart from one another at specific orientations asthe first and second portions are rotated through a range of rotation.FIGS. 4A-4C show the first and second portions at a zero-degreeorientation similar to FIG. 2A with the first surfaces 118 and 122facing inwardly and the second surfaces 120 and 124 facing outwardly.FIG. 4A is a perspective view, FIG. 4B is a side elevational view (e.g.,parallel to the hinge axes 116), and FIG. 4C is a bottom elevationalview (e.g., along the hinge axes). FIGS. 5A-5C are similar views toFIGS. 4A-4C at a 90-degree orientation rather than a zero-degreeorientation. Similarly, FIGS. 6A-6C and 7A-7C are similar views at 180and 360-degree orientations, respectively. Thus, FIGS. 5A-5C show anexample orientation between zero and 180 degrees where cams 320 can movethe first and second portions away from one another to reduce and/orprevent damage. The cams can perform this movement at oblique andperpendicular orientations and not perform the movement when the firstand second portions are parallel to one another (e.g., parallel andoverlapping at zero degrees (FIGS. 4A-4C) and 360 degrees (FIGS. 7A-7C)and parallel and abutting at 180 degrees (FIGS. 6A-6C).

Looking at FIG. 4C, cams 320 are shown in enlarged form so that detailscan be more readily visualized. In this case, cams 320 can bemulti-lobed cams that can include two or more cam lobes 402 and camrecesses 404. In the illustrated implementation, the cam lobes 402(1)and 402(2) are interposed between cam recesses 404(1) and 404(3) and camrecess 404(2) is interposed between the cam lobes 402(1) and 402(2) toform a clover-leaf configuration. (The suffix ‘A’ is used in associationwith cam 320(1) and the suffix ‘B’ is used in association with cam320(2)). Also in the illustrated implementation, the cams 320 aresymmetric relative to a plane that is parallel to the x and z referenceaxes and passes through cam recess 404(2) (e.g., the cams arebilaterally symmetrical). Other numbers of cam lobes, cam recesses,and/or relative orientations of cam lobes and cam recesses arecontemplated.

In the zero-degree orientation of FIGS. 4A-4C, cam followers 322 arepositioned in cam recesses 404(3) which allows springs 328 to biasspring bodies 324 toward hinge axes 116. Recall that the spring bodies324 are fixedly secured to the first and second portions 102 and 104 sothe springs also bias the first and second portions 102 and 104 towardthe hinge axes 116(1) and 116(2), respectively.

FIGS. 5A-5C show self-spacing hinge assembly 106(1) where the first andsecond portions 102 and 104 have been rotated 90 degrees apart relativeto the zero-degree orientation of FIGS. 4A-4C. Note also, that in theillustrated implementation both portions rotate equally (e.g., in thiscase each portion rotates 45 degrees of the 90 total degrees). At thispoint cam lobes 402(2) are acting on cam followers 322 thereby forcingthe cam followers 322(1) and 322(1) away from the respective hinge axes116(1) and 116(2). Recall that the cam followers 322 are part of thespring bodies 324, which are fixedly attached to the first and secondportions 102 and 104. Thus, forcing the cam followers 322 away from thehinge axes 116 forces the first and second portions away from hinge axes116(1) and 116(2), respectively as indicated by arrows 502(1) and502(2). Forcing the first and second portions away from the hinge axescan reduce and/or eliminate contact between the device portions whichwould otherwise occur on the hinge ends of the inwardly facing surfacesof the first and second portions as indicated at 504 of FIG. 5C.Reducing and/or eliminating this contact can prevent damage to theseinwardly facing surfaces. For instance, displays on these surfaces couldeasily crack or chip if exposed to forces of the contact. The presentimplementations can protect these displays from damage.

FIGS. 6A-6C show the first and second portions 102 and 104 rotated to a180-degree orientation. At this orientation, the first and secondportions are positioned side-by-side. As mentioned in the discussionabove relative to FIG. 2C, in this 180-degree orientation, displays onthe first and second portions can be operated cooperatively to simulatea single larger display. In such a scenario, it can be desirable for thefirst and second portions to be close to one another and even touchingone another to create a nearly seamless collective display. Toward thisend, in this case, cam followers 322 are now positioned in cam recesses404(2). This allows springs 328 to bias the spring bodies 324 and hencethe first and second portions toward one another as indicated by arrows602(1) and 602(2). The first and second portions being biased toward oneanother, and potentially against one another, can reduce any gapindicated at 604 between the first and second portions that diminishesthe user experience provided by the simulated collective display.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a 360-degree orientation which is similar to thezero-degree orientation of FIGS. 4A-4C except that second surfaces 120and 124 are facing toward one another and first surfaces 118 and 122 arefacing outwardly. At this orientation, the cam followers 322 are in camrecesses 404(1), which allows springs 328 to bias the spring bodies 324and the first and second portions 102 and 104 toward the hinge axes116(1) and 116(2), respectively.

Note that representative orientations are illustrated. Generally, thecams 320 force the first and second portions 102 and 104 apart (e.g.away from the hinge axes 116) during non-parallel orientations and letthe first and second portions be biased towards one another (e.g.,toward the hinge axes) at other angles where the first and secondportions are parallel to one another to one another. For instance,starting at the zero-degree orientation of FIGS. 4A-4C where the firstand second portions are parallel to one another, the cams allow thesprings 328 to bias the first and second portions toward the hinge axes.As rotation starts, so can the camming action. In this case, the extentof the camming action can increase as rotation continues to 90 degrees(e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C) and then begin to decrease as rotation continues to180 degrees. Stated another way, camming may not occur at the parallelorientation of zero degrees and the parallel orientation of 180 degreesof FIGS. 6A-6C, but can occur in at least some of the interveningorientations. The extent of the cam lobe lift, cam lobe shape, and/orthe duration (e.g., number of degrees) can be determined by the camprofile to reduce or minimize damage to the first and second portionsfrom contact forces. A similar configuration can be employed between 180degrees and 360 degrees (FIGS. 7A-7C).

Note that for sake of brevity not all orientations can be illustrated,however, the present concepts can provide camming action at non-parallelorientations (e.g., acute, perpendicular, and/or obtuse) of the firstand second portions 102 and 104 to reduce and/or eliminate contactdamage to the first and second portions. The movement could occur at allnon-parallel orientations. For instance, movement could occur from 1degree to 179 degrees and/or from 181 degrees to 359 degrees.Alternatively, the movement could occur at a subset of theseorientations where damage is more likely to occur. For example, movementcould occur at 45 degrees to 135 degrees and/or 225 degrees to 315degrees, among others. At parallel orientations, the cams 320 can allowthe first and second portions to be biased toward/against one another.

Individual elements of the hinge assembly 106 can be made from variousmaterials, such as metals, plastics, and/or composites. These materialscan be prepared in various ways, such as in the form of sheet metals,die cast metals, machined metals, 3D printed materials, molded or 3Dprinted plastics, and/or molded or 3D printed composites, among others,or any combination of these materials and/or preparations can beemployed.

The present hinge assembly concepts can be utilized with any type ofdevice, such as but not limited to notebook computers, smart phones,wearable smart devices, tablets, and/or other types of existing,developing, and/or yet to be developed devices.

Various methods of manufacture, assembly, and/or use for hingeassemblies and devices are contemplated beyond those shown aboverelative to FIGS. 1-7C.

Although techniques, methods, devices, systems, etc., pertaining tohinge assemblies are described in language specific to structuralfeatures and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that thesubject matter defined in the appended claims is not limited to thespecific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features andacts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed methods,devices, systems, etc.

Various device examples are described above. Additional examples aredescribed below. One example includes a device comprising a firstportion and a second portion, and a self-spacing hinge assemblyrotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions around afirst hinge axis associated with the first portion and a second hingeaxis associated with the second portion so that an extent of rotationaround the first hinge axis corresponds to an extent of rotation aroundthe second hinge axis. The self-spacing hinge assembly comprises acommunication member that defines first and second hinge pins. The firsthinge pin defines the first hinge axis and includes a first cam in linewith the first hinge axis, a first cam follower fixed to the firstportion, and a first biasing element that biases the first portiontoward the first hinge axis. The first cam comprises alternating camlobes and cam recesses, and at non-parallel orientations of the firstand second portions individual cam lobes of the first cam engage thefirst cam follower and overcome the first biasing element and force thefirst portion away from the first hinge axis to increase space betweenthe first and second portions. At parallel orientations, the first camfollower engages individual cam recesses of the first cam, and the firstbiasing element biases the first portion toward the first hinge axis anddecreases the space between the first and second portions.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe parallel orientations comprise zero degrees, 180 degrees, and/or 360degrees.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe non-parallel orientations comprise acute orientations, perpendicularorientations, and/or obtuse orientations.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe device further comprises a second hinge pin defining the secondhinge axis and comprises a second cam in line with the second hingeaxis, a second cam follower fixed to the second portion, and a secondbiasing element that biases the second portion toward the second hingeaxis.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe device further comprises a second cam comprising alternating camlobes and cam recesses, and at the non-parallel orientations of thefirst and second portions, individual cam lobes of the second cam engagethe second cam follower and overcome the second biasing element andforce the second portion away from the second hinge axis to increasespace between the first and second portions. At the parallelorientations, the second cam follower engages individual cam recesses ofthe second cam, and the second biasing element biases the second portiontoward the second hinge axis and decreases the space between the firstand second portions.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first and second hinge pins each include primary gears that providetiming of the self-spacing hinge assemblies so that the extent ofrotation around the first hinge axis corresponds to the extent ofrotation around the second hinge axis.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe primary gears directly engage to provide the timing.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe device further comprises intervening secondary gears and where theprimary gears indirectly engage via the intervening secondary gears toprovide the timing.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first portion comprises a first display and wherein the secondportion comprises a second display.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first biasing element comprises a first spring that is orientedorthogonally to the first hinge axis and a second biasing elementcomprises a second spring that is oriented orthogonally to a secondhinge axis.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first hinge pin is received in a first hinge body, and a secondhinge pin is received in a second hinge body, and the first cam followercomprises a first spring body, and a second cam follower comprises asecond spring body, and where the first spring is positioned between thefirst hinge body and the first spring body, and the second spring ispositioned between the second hinge body and the second spring body.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first hinge body is slideably secured in the first portion and thesecond hinge body is slideably secured in the second portion.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe first cam is bilaterally symmetrical.

Another example can include a device comprising a first portion and asecond portion and further comprising a communication member spanningbetween the first and second portions and defining first and secondparallel hinge pins. The first hinge pin includes a first multi-lobe camthat forces the first portion away from the second portion when thefirst and second portions are oriented at individual non-parallelorientations and allows the first portion to approach the second portionat individual parallel orientations.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe second hinge pin includes a second multi-lobe cam that forces thesecond portion away from the first portion when the first and secondportions are oriented at individual non-parallel orientations and allowsthe first portion to approach the second portion at individual parallelorientations.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe individual non-parallel orientations comprise all orientationsbetween 1 degree and 179 degrees or a subset of orientations from 1degree to 179 degrees.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe communication member includes a timing element that causes equalrotation by the first and second portions.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe timing element comprises gears.

Another example can include a device comprising a first portion thatincludes a first display, a second portion that includes a seconddisplay, and, a pair of self-spacing hinge assemblies rotatably securingfirst and second hinge ends of the first and second portions and cammingthe first and second hinge ends apart from one another at non-parallelorientations sufficient to prevent contact of the first and second hingeends at the non-parallel orientations while allowing the first andsecond hinge ends to contact one another at other angles.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe pair of self-spacing hinge assemblies further comprises multi-lobecams that are contacted by cam followers positioned on the first and/orsecond portions.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples wherethe non-parallel orientations comprise all non-parallel orientationsbetween zero degrees and 180 degrees, or where the non-parallelorientations comprises a subset of all of the non-parallel orientations.

1. A device, comprising: a first portion and a second portion; aself-spacing hinge assembly rotatably securing hinge ends of the firstand second portions around a first hinge axis associated with the firstportion and a second hinge axis associated with the second portion sothat an extent of rotation around the first hinge axis corresponds to anextent of rotation around the second hinge axis; the self-spacing hingeassembly comprising a communication member that defines first and secondhinge pins; the first hinge pin defining the first hinge axis andincluding a first multi-lobe cam in line with the first hinge axis; afirst cam follower fixed to the first portion; a first biasing elementthat biases the first portion toward the first hinge axis; and, thefirst multi-lobe cam comprising alternating cam lobes and cam recesses,and at non-parallel orientations of the first and second portions,individual cam lobes of the first multi-lobe cam engage the first camfollower and overcome the first biasing element and force the firstportion away from the first hinge axis to increase space between thefirst and second portions and at parallel orientations the first camfollower engages individual cam recesses of the first multi-lobe cam andthe first biasing element biases the first portion toward the firsthinge axis and decreases the space between the first and secondportions.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the parallel orientationscomprise zero degrees, 180 degrees, and/or 360 degrees.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the non-parallel orientations comprise acuteorientations, perpendicular orientations, and/or obtuse orientations. 4.The device of claim 1, further comprising the second hinge pin definingthe second hinge axis and comprising: a second multi-lobe cam in linewith the second hinge axis, a second cam follower fixed to the secondportion; and, a second biasing element that biases the second portiontoward the second hinge axis.
 5. The device of claim 4, furthercomprising the second multi-lobe cam comprising alternating cam lobesand cam recesses, and at the non-parallel orientations of the first andsecond portions individual cam lobes of the second multi-lobe cam engagethe second cam follower and overcome the second biasing element andforce the second portion away from the second hinge axis to increasespace between the first and second portions and at the parallelorientations the second cam follower engages individual cam recesses ofthe second multi-lobe cam and the second biasing element biases thesecond portion toward the second hinge axis and decreases the spacebetween the first and second portions.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe first and second hinge pins each include primary gears that providetiming of the self-spacing hinge assemblies so that the extent ofrotation around the first hinge axis corresponds to the extent ofrotation around the second hinge axis.
 7. The device of claim 6, whereinthe primary gears directly engage to provide the timing.
 8. The deviceof claim 6, further comprising intervening secondary gears and whereinthe primary gears indirectly engage via the intervening secondary gearsto provide the timing.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstportion comprises a first display and wherein the second portioncomprises a second display.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstbiasing element comprises a first spring that is oriented orthogonallyto the first hinge axis and a second biasing element comprises a secondspring that is oriented orthogonally to a second hinge axis.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the first hinge pin is received in a firsthinge body and a second hinge pin is received in a second hinge body andthe first cam follower comprises a first spring body and a second camfollower comprises a second spring body and wherein the first spring ispositioned between the first hinge body and the first spring body andthe second spring is positioned between the second hinge body and thesecond spring body.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the first hingebody is slideably secured in the first portion and the second hinge bodyis slideably secured in the second portion.
 13. The device of claim 1,wherein the first multi-lobe cam is bilaterally symmetrical.
 14. Adevice, comprising: a first portion and a second portion; and, acommunication member spanning between the first and second portions anddefining first and second parallel hinge pins, the first hinge pinincluding a first multi-lobe cam that forces the first portion away fromthe second portion when the first and second portions are oriented atindividual non-parallel orientations and allows the first portion toapproach the second portion at individual parallel orientations.
 15. Thedevice of claim 14, wherein the second hinge pin includes a secondmulti-lobe cam that forces the second portion away from the firstportion when the first and second portions are oriented at individualnon-parallel orientations and allows the first portion to approach thesecond portion at individual parallel orientations.
 16. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the individual non-parallel orientations comprise allorientations between 1 degree and 179 degrees or a subset oforientations from 1 degree to 179 degrees.
 17. The device of claim 15,wherein the communication member includes a timing element that causesequal rotation by the first and second portions.
 18. The device of claim17, wherein the timing element comprises gears.
 19. A device,comprising: a first portion that includes a first display; a secondportion that includes a second display; and, a pair of self-spacinghinge assemblies rotatably securing first and second hinge ends of thefirst and second portions and camming the first and second hinge endsapart from one another at non-parallel orientations of the first andsecond portions sufficient to prevent contact of the first and secondhinge ends at the non-parallel orientations while biasing the first andsecond hinge ends toward one another at other angles.
 20. The device ofclaim 19, wherein the pair of self-spacing hinge assemblies furthercomprise multi-lobe cams that are contacted by cam followers positionedon the first and/or second portions.
 21. The device of claim 19, whereinat least one of the other angles comprises a parallel orientation of thefirst and second portions where the first portion is oriented 180degrees from the second portion.